2.4M OFWs qualied to get medical aid from OWWA
MORE than two million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can benefit from the newly launched Supplemental Medical Assistance Program for OFWs (MEDplus) program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
According to OWWA Administrator Rebecca Calzado, a total of 2.4 million OFWs can avail of the one-time P50,000 medical assistance if they get afflicted with dreaded diseases.
“MedPlus is part of OWWA's commitment to continually develop and implement welfare programs that are responsive to the needs of OFWs and their families. This collaboration with the PhilHealth will help our memberOFWs further reduce their medical expenses,” said Calzado during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The OWWA Governing Board, according to Calzado, has already approved a resolution for the allocation of P150 million for the implementation of MEDplus.
She said that the program will be implemented upon the completion of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), which they hope to complete within 60 days.
Hospitalized
Under the program, active OWWA and PhilHealth members, who are diagnosed with and subsequently hospitalized due to a dreaded disease, whether in the Philippines or in their country of employment, can soon avail of the MEDplus program.
MEDplus matches the benefit granted by PhilHealth to its members under its case-rate system but will not to exceed P50,000 per member.
Calzado said sequent availments subare still allowed for the same dreaded disease as long as the member has yet to reach the limit.
“We have initiated the MEDplus program because we know OFWs who are suffering from dreaded disease would need additional financial help because in most instances they could no longer work or they would require longtime treatment,” the labor official said.
Calzado said dreaded diseases covered by the program include cancer and kidney ailments as well as emerging diseases such as Zika and Ebola viruses. (Sunnex)